Shaker Woods ~ Festival Articles

Rodriguez: Prayers Make Snowmen Come Alive

Ulisa Rodriguez was a stay-at-home mom who was trying to find a way to take her five children to Walt Disney World. But the cost was a deterrent. She said, “I just believed that if I asked God for help He would do just that.”

Here’s what happened after her prayer request.

Four years ago in the still of the night, an idea came to Ulisa. She envisioned creating one-of-a-kind snowmen with child-like animation. Ulisa was inspired to give each snowman a joyful personality that “would speak to the child in all of us. The one we left behind when we decided that growing up would be more fun.”

She wanted the figures to be like Frosty the Snowman, who could spring to life at any moment. That’s when her vision changed from selling the snowmen to make money to creating something that would make her children laugh.

Excited to get started, she jumped out of bed. By daybreak, she had fashioned three five-foot-tall snowmen to share with her children. Each snowman had an expression that reflected the joy and silliness of her children. “I was overwhelmed with the glee gushing from my children at the breakfast table as they talked, laughed, and danced around the kitchen exclaiming happy birthday to each snowman, just like the movie, Frosty!”

Motivated by her accomplishments, she pondered whether other families would enjoy her unique snowmen. Later that day, Ulisa traveled to a local shop hopeful the owner would like the snowmen. Of course, the store owner loved Ulisa’s crafty creations and ordered 10 more.

The orders kept coming and the Snowman Village Collection was born. What’s more, the Rodriguez family ventured to Walt Disney World.

Like most small business owners, Ulisa faced challenges. The artist and designer was on the verge of shutting down when a longtime Shaker Woods crafter encouraged her to submit an application. Ulisa said, “I never thought in a million years we would get into the show. We prayed about it and left it in God’s hands. By the grace of God, we were invited to the show! Refreshed and hopeful, it was just in time.”

Ulisa is grateful to everyone who supported her along the way. After just one year at Shaker Woods, she said it became obvious that this award-winning craft show was like no other: “It’s a community of good people helping and encouraging one another. It’s a home for our God-given talents to blossom and take root, and an opportunity to grow and encourage one another. And if we’re lucky, a chance to bring a smile to our customers and leave them with an experience, not just a product.”

Visit booth #25 to see Ulisa’s playful artwork, which also includes seasonal dolls, doorhangers and décor.